Construction of buildings



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. G. L. STAUB.

CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS, SHIPS, &c.

Patented May 22,1883.

ATTORNEY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

0.. L. STAUB. CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS, SHIPS; 8w.

Patented May 22,1883.

'Z'Q J ZNVENTOR:

WJTNESSES: I

$06M ww A TiORNEY Phulo-Lmlognpher, Waemn um D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

o. LEO STAUB, on PITTSBUBG,PENNSYLVANIA.

CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS, SHIPS, 8 0.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 277,952, dated. May 22, 1883.

Application filedMay 3,1882. (No model.)

1'0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, O. LEO STAUB, acitizen of Switzerland, residing at Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fire and Water Proof Structures; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference bein g had to theaccompanyingdrawings, in which- Figure 1 on Sheet 1 indicates a section of a fire and water proof floor and ceiling having separators fitted between the joists to divide the long air-space into compartments. Fig. 2011 Sheet 1 indicates a plan of the joists, separators, and I compartments of the floor shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 indicates a vertical section through a hollow partition, and Fig. 4 on Sheet 1 indicates a horizontal section of the same with separators. Fig. 5 on Sheet 1 indicates a section through a strong fire and water proof floor, with open butprotected joists or beams. Fig. 6 indicates a section through another fire and water proof floor, and Fig. 7 represents the plan of the top of the same. Fig. 8 indicates a sectional view of flooring, and illustrates a mode of fastening the same y through the sheet metal to the sheathing or lower boards. r

In Sheet 2, Fig. 1. indicates a cross-section of a double fire-wall door, shutter, and elevator-hatchway door. Fig. 2 indicates a section of a light-paneled partition. Fig.3 indicates an elevation of the same. Figs. 4 and 5" indicate, respectively, a vertical and a horizontal section of an incased rolled-iron beam for supporting the floor. cates a horizontal section through a protected cast-iron column. Fig. 7 indicates the section of a corner for a safe vault constructed of wood and sheet metal. Fig. 8 indicates a detail drawing of a construction of the same.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts wherever they occur.

The object of my invention is to produce fire and water proof structures-such as buildings, ships, steamboats, freight-cars, furnimic, and safe-vaults,&cin a cheap, durable,

economical, and efiicient manner; and this object I have fully obtained by applying sheet metal entirely inclosed or incased with wood, j

planed on all sides and are nailed to the joists and made as air-tight as possible, to such con- Fig. 6 indi-g Heretofore, so far as I am aware, sheet metalhas not been used in such a manner as to bring it up to the high standard it deserves as a protector against elementary influences. Generally it has been exposed directly to the action of fire, water, and air. Consequently, bein ga good conductor of heat, itoffers little or no protection against fire when used as a covering for doors, shutters, &c., for experience has de monstrated that heavy wooden doors will keep the fire off for a longer time, on account of the non-conducting and slow-burning properties of such material, than it can be kept off by the use of ordinary iron-covered wooden doors, and when account is had of the facts that the metal in such cases is exposed directly to the decomposing influences of the air, water, and violence, and to the general damage done by violence, sheet metal must be considered as the shortest-living building material.

In regular fire-proof buildings composed of incombustible materials, the iron beams and girders, which are inclosed and vaulted in between with brick,terra-cotta, hollow tiles, concrete, 866., are subject to great expansion when exposed to a fierce heat, and thus cause a movement of the walls and the ultimatecollapse of the fire-proof floor-arches. In order to overcome this and the defects previously sible-so that it may serve for along time through its splendid capacities-viz., first, as an air-tight material by taking oif from the fire its greatest power-'-that is, the draft; second, as a water-tight material to save buildings and stored goods from damage from water, which is often greater than that caused by fire; third, to utilize its resistible strength and durability to fortify and stiffen constructions; fourth, to

'utilize its properties as a casing for girders,

beams, columns, stone-work, &c which are liable to great expansion from theinfluence of heat, and to rupture or disintegration from wa- -ter during confiagrations.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 indicates a waterproof floor and fireproof ceilin g.

B indicates the flooring-boards, which are J while laid diagonally. L indicates rectangular plates of sheet-lead, which are laid in betweenthe sheathing and flooring-boards,-like flags-that is, their edges are not lapped over,

5 but border each other-and these sheets L are soldered together at the joints to form a continuous level surface. The object of this arrangement is as follows: Lead will not corrode by the action of water; second, the sheets may be readily soldered together, so that the water maybe entirelyprevented from passing downward and injuring the ceiling; third, as the lead sheets do not lap each other their surface is level, allowing the boards to be readily and tightly screwed together, preventing air-spaces between them, and the lead is noiseless when persons are walking or goods are moved over the floor; and, finally, as the flooring rests upon a smooth level surface of sheet-lead it is prevented from springing or yielding during the movement of persons or goods over it. Consequently its fastenings are not loosened, and greater durability is obtained.

/ In the construction of the ceiling, plates S, of

' hard metal-as sheet-iron, steelfcopper, &c. are laid in a similar manner, and are fastened to the boardsB with nails or screws,the joints being filled up to a level with iron or other hard and binding putty.

F indicates the boards which form the upper portion of the floor and the lower portion of the ceiling. These boards F are laid rectan gular to the joists and are planed on all sides, but are not tonguedand grooved in the usual way, but in the manner shown in Fig. 8, the tongue having a little more than thedouble length at its top,in order to allow the nails to be driven perpendicularly. through the sheet metal, and not slant, as in the usual manner, as otherwise the nails are apt to bend on the surface of the sheets and prevent an air-tightjoint between the boards and the metallic sheets. In securing these boards F screws are always preferred, as it is easier to secure a very tight joint with the plates.

It is evident that the application of my improved form of floors and ceilings to old or new buildings would afford considerable protection against damage by the action of fire and water; but the longair-spaces between the joists and the stndding of the usual hollow partition form a terribly dangerous row of ilues, and to this cause is due the rapid and unexpected spread of fires, so destructive not only to property,but also to human life. Therefore I break up these fines by dividing these long air-spaces into short compartments A by means of separators l), which are each formed of two pieces of board planed on all sides and inclosing a hard sheet-metal plate, S, of the same size between. To fix the position of the separators correctly, small pieces of wood, a, are nailed to the joists, and the separators D are nailed aslant to the joists against them, as is indicated clearly by the plan view of the joists shown by Fig. 2. The top and bottom of the joists, as well as the joints formed with the separators, should be planed smoothly to get rid of dangerous airspaces, for it must be understood that usually the joints formed between rough-sawed timbers leave from one to three six teenths ofan inch,which is sufficient to admit the headway of the flames. The hollow partition shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is constructed upon the same principle. In the plan view, Fig. 4,

T indicates the studding, which are to be planed on both sides against the boarding and on the joints formed with the separators D. These separators render the floors far stronger and stiffer than the usual way of cross-bridging, and the compartments A retard, break up, and deaden sound, thus taking up the place of the usual deafening materials, which often cause moisture and decay of the wood-work. The air-spaces between the carriages or supporting-joists of wooden stairways should also be divided into similar compartments and have the under side ceiled up, as shown in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 5 a fire-proof and water-proof floor,'

forming a ceiling and roof, also is shown. This is made of three layers of boards with two intermediate layers of sheet metalviz., lead sheet L on top, for the hereinbcfore-described purpose of affording a noiseless and inelastic casing, and steel, iron, copper, 850., sheet S below,laid exactly as before described. The heavy timbers J, forming the joists or beams, are protected air-tight with the hardmetal sheets S and the boards 13; but this should only be done with thoroughly dry and seasoned timber, as otherwise it would cause decay or dry-rot. This inclosing with hard sheet metal and wooden boards should be applied as a protection to all wooden posts, columns, and heavy or combination beams and girders, and in particular where they are constantly exposed to moisture. The construction shown in Fig. 5 can also be used as a deck for steam boats and ships when the joists J are curved at the top, or are replaced by curved iron beams protected as shown by Fig. 21." on Sheet 2.

In Fig. 6, which shows another form of fire and water proof floor, ceiling, and roof, the tongued and grooved boards F are laid diagonally and nailed or screwed to the rafters, joists, or beams; S indicates the hard sheetmetal layer, as before. I? are wooden boards, from ten to eighteen inches wide, planed on all sides, with rabbeted ends and sides to receive, first, a lead plate, L, to make the floor waterproof by covering the joints of the wide boards P, and to then receive a hard-wood strip, H, of a trapezoidal form, so that a tight joint may be had when the latter is screwed down to the lower boards. Fig. 7 shows the top of this floor and the cross-grained joints ,1) of the boards P, covered in the same way, so that an ILIO the sheet metal may be entirely inclosed in wood.

As it is important that particular care should be taken in the construction of. doors, firewalls, outside and inside shutters in warehouses, &c.,- and to close the elevators, shafts, and hatchways at each floor, I form a double door, as shown in Fig. 1", Sheet 2-, of three thicknesses of wood, B, and two intermediate plates, S, of hard sheet metal, the edges being protected on all sides by. a grooved piece of hard wood, 0, screwed and glued to the boards B, and the latter are joined together by screws or nails, as represented by Fig. 8 same sheet, their heads being concealed and covered with putty 19. This kind of fastening should be applied to each and all constructions, except in cases where other kinds are specifically mentioned.

When thin portions of wood are used to form the cabins, berths, and bulk-heads for passen gets and crews of iron steamshipsand steamboats, as is usually the case, they become exceedingly dangerous, forming a row of tinderboxes to feed the fire. Hence they and the doors and shutters used in said rooms should be built as shown in Figs. 2 and 3". (Shown on Sheet 2.)

Freight-cars and their partitions may be built in the same way, and may be provided with floors, as represented in Figs. 1 and (ion Sheet 1, this mode forming thin and safe partitions when put upright, the outer boards being set perpendicnlar,and the inner hoards horizontal. The roof'of the car may be form ed substantially in the same way, and the usual roofing may be fastened to it to protect the woodwork.

Iron constructions in general-as cast-iron columns, piers, rolled and wrought iron beams, girders, trusses, &c.-should be entirely protected with wood, or they and the structure which they support cannot be regarded as safe. For this reason I propose to protect beams shown in Figs. 4 and 5 of Sheet 2, in which Q indicates pieces of wood planed on all sides and fastened to the beams E by means of the bolts g. As the iron beams have too rough a surface to allow the formation of airtight joints, the spaces should be filled up with the putty p. A strong top board, B, should be spiked or screwed down onto the pieces Q, to receive the flooring.

In cases of con-flagrations, cast-iron piers and columns supporting whole store-houses, 850., become very hot,'and when cold water is thrown upon them theyare bound to burst, on account of the sudden and unequal reduction of their temperature and the consequent unequal shrinkage, thus causing the entire destruction of the building and its contents. Hence I protect them as shown in Fig. 6" on Sheet 2. The cast-iron column E is incased first by the boards q and a, which are planed and rabbeted. While the boards a are grasping the boards'q with their rabbet, the bolts 9 running through the cast-iron renders the whole thing solid and air-tight. Thesheet metal S is then placed in position, and the outer boards are then secured, as shown by Fig. 8, care being had, however, that the sheet metal is first screwed or nailed into position as air-tight as possible. The side walls, piers, &c., are subject to explosion during a fire, if they are built of granite, and, it built of lime and other stones that cannot stand the fire, should be effectually protected through this improvement.

In Fig. 7 a section of a corner ofa safe-vault for buildings is shown, the vault being built with hard wood and inclosedsheet metal, S S S indicating the outer layersof metal, sheet or plate steel being used in this instance, and L indicating the inner layer of sheet-lead. .Said inner sheets of lead, L, are used for the purpose of rendering possible the movement of articles within the vault without noise or springing ot' the sheets. The hard wood tongued and grooved boards are laid rectangular alternately, and are bound at the coro ners by dovetailing d. In order to hold the wood and metal layers air-tight together, small and large bolts g are applied .in such a manner that it the outer layers were to become destroyed by fire the inner portion would still 5 form a water and fire proot vault, being secured by the smaller bolts. The outside hard wooden boards, F, will be fastened as is shown in Fig.8. All the bolts should grasp the steel plates directly with their heads, and the lat- I00 ter are to be protected by hard-wood pieces I), glued or pnttied to the boards F. The doors of such vaults should be constructed in the same way; but all the rabbeted edges must be covered with hard wood to entirely cover the sheet metal on all sides, and to prevent the fire frdm attacking the steel and lead plates directly at their edges.

I am aware that it has been proposed to form a fire-proof floor by means of layers of boards and intermediate layers of sheet-iron lapped at the edges; but such a construction could not answer the purpose of my improve ment on account of the following reasons: First, as the edges are lapped, the flooring n5 would rest on the double thickness at the joints, and would give elsewhere when persons or goods moved over its surface, and this springing would soon loosen the fastenings and allow the upper boards to get out of place; :20 second, the flooring would be liable to spring and open up at the ends of the boards, thus allowing water nsed tor cleaning, 820., to sink down onto the metal, so that itwonld become destroyed in a very short time; third, the springing motion would cause the sheet-iron to give a noisy, disagreeable sound when persons or goods moved over the floor; fourth,

thelapped edges are neither airnor water tight; and, finally, this construction leaves air- 1 0 spaces between the sheet metal and the sheathing and flooring, which is a great defect, as

the sheets will buckle at the ends and allow free access of air between them in case of a v fire; but,

Having described my invention, what I do claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s-

In the construction of fire-proof structures, a fire-proof ceiling, panel, casing, or partition composed of two or more layers of boards enveloping an intermediate layer or layers of sheet metal, said sheets of metal being laid with their edges bordering or adjacent to each other, and joined and arranged substantially as specified, whereby close fitting joints are secured between thelayers, and airspaces are avoided, substantially as and .for the purpose set forth.

2. 'In the construction of fire and water proof structures, a water-proof floor, roof, or casing composed of layersot' boards inclosiug an intermediate metallic layer composed of sheets of lead laid with their edges bordering or adjacent to each other, and then soldered together to form a water-tight surface, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

3. In a fire-proof structure, the combination of a fire-proof ceiling composed of layers of boards enveloping an intermediate layer of sheets of iron or other hard metal, arranged with their edges bordering or adjacent to each other, and a water-proof floor composed of layers of boards enveloping an intermediate layer of sheets of lead having their edges soldered together, constructed and arranged substautially as and for the purpose specified.

4. In the construction of fire-proof structures, the combination of a fire proof ceiling and water-proof floor, constructed and arranged as specified, with a series of separators which are each composed of pieces of wood enveloping a sheet of hard metal, and are arranged between the joists to divide their long air-spaces into short compartments, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

5. In the construction of fire-proof buildings, the combination, with the floor and ceiling, of a series of separators which are each composed of layers of wood enveloping a sheet or plate of hard metal, and are arranged between the joists to divide their long air-spaces into short compartments, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

6. In the construction of fire-proof buildings,

a fire and water proof floor, ceiling, or roof I composed of an upper and a lower layer of boards inclosin g an intermediate layer of sheetiron or other hard metal, the upper layer of boards haviugra'bbeted sides and ends,- which receive a strip of sheet-lead, L, and a hardwood strip, H, constructed and arranged substantially as and for the purpose specified.

G. LEO STAUB. 

